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David Morrison - An emotional climb to top of accessible playground

Columnist David Morrison tours the new inclusive playground at Olsen Park. Photo by Ann Morrison

By David MorrisonStarNews Columnist

Published: Friday, May 3, 2013 at 9:06 p.m.

Last Modified: Friday, May 3, 2013 at 9:06 p.m.

Twenty-four feet. That's the highest point atop the newly constructed Kiwanis Miracle Playground at Olsen Park. Approximately 150 volunteers spent last weekend building the structure designed to be fully inclusive and accessible for all. Organizers from Carolina Parks and Play, along with designers from Landscape Structures, were on hand to assist with the effort. Some teams were asked to build components and attach them to the already completed main structure. Other elements were designed as stand-alone items that even wheelchair users such as myself can drive onto and join in the fun.

Halfway through the build, I was given the tremendous honor of climbing the structure, which includes double-wide decks at points to allow for two wheelchair users to enjoy. The climb was exhilarating. Never have I felt so free, so included, so loved by all who shared in the moment.

The moment when you reach the top, stop and look. Look at the landscape all around you and feel the passion, the success, the emotion of a five-year project created right before your eyes. Are you tearing up yet?

Surrounded by love the entire day and in that moment, joined by many of the major supporters of the cause, people I have been honored to work with, tears streamed down my face. Tears of joy for all the hard work, all the support from the community and for all the people this facility will impact in the future. While the playground is in the final stage of completion, work continues on the adjacent accessible play surface known as a Miracle Field. Both projects will be revealed to the public later this summer. Stay tuned for details.

Until then, a sincere thank you to Kiwanis of Wilmington, the construction and design teams mentioned earlier, all those who donated food and giveaways, and last but certainly not least, to every volunteer and team leader who made this event possible. This playground was truly built by many hands and many loving hearts, and will support lifetimes of family fun.

As always, thanks for reading!

Have a question or comment? Reach David via email at david.morrison87@yahoo.com Want to provide public input or address disability concerns? Attend the Cape Fear Disability Commission (CFDC) The group meets the third Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in Suite 135 of the NHC Government Center. Next meeting: May 15.

<p>Twenty-four feet. That's the highest point atop the newly constructed Kiwanis Miracle Playground at Olsen Park. Approximately 150 volunteers spent last weekend building the structure designed to be fully inclusive and accessible for all. Organizers from Carolina Parks and Play, along with designers from Landscape Structures, were on hand to assist with the effort. Some teams were asked to build components and attach them to the already completed main structure. Other elements were designed as stand-alone items that even wheelchair users such as myself can drive onto and join in the fun.</p><p>Halfway through the build, I was given the tremendous honor of climbing the structure, which includes double-wide decks at points to allow for two wheelchair users to enjoy. The climb was exhilarating. Never have I felt so free, so included, so loved by all who shared in the moment.</p><p>The moment when you reach the top, stop and look. Look at the landscape all around you and feel the passion, the success, the emotion of a five-year project created right before your eyes. Are you tearing up yet?</p><p>Surrounded by love the entire day and in that moment, joined by many of the major supporters of the cause, people I have been honored to work with, tears streamed down my face. Tears of joy for all the hard work, all the support from the community and for all the people this facility will impact in the future. While the playground is in the final stage of completion, work continues on the adjacent accessible play surface known as a Miracle Field. Both projects will be revealed to the public later this summer. Stay tuned for details.</p><p>Until then, a sincere thank you to Kiwanis of Wilmington, the construction and design teams mentioned earlier, all those who donated food and giveaways, and last but certainly not least, to every volunteer and team leader who made this event possible. This playground was truly built by many hands and many loving hearts, and will support lifetimes of family fun.</p><p>As always, thanks for reading!</p><p><i></p><p>Have a question or comment? Reach David via email at david.morrison87@yahoo.com Want to provide public input or address disability concerns? Attend the Cape Fear Disability Commission (CFDC) The group meets the third Wednesday of the month at 10:30 a.m. in Suite 135 of the NHC Government Center. Next meeting: May 15.</i></p>